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"The crown prince is tired. Please come back later!"

The nobles, hearing the royal guards’ firm commands, slowly turned back, murmuring as they departed. Jungkook slouched in his throne, two guards flanking him, scrolling through his phone with a mixture of boredom and irritation. His hyungs were busy greeting the aristocrats, while his friends had scattered to socialize with their own families. They had promised to stay by his side throughout the evening, but in a celebration this grand, even close friends couldn’t linger for long.

He sighed, lowering his phone. Even when they promised… nobody really sees me.

The announcer’s voice suddenly cut through the chatter:

“May I have the attention of our respected nobles and royals present here~”

All eyes turned toward the stage.

“I greet His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Seoulvenia, and His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of Seoulvenia,” the announcer said, bowing, “with His Imperial Majesty's permission, may I begin the celebration?”

The emperor nodded.

“My heart is fluttering seeing all the beautiful lords and madams present around me! Today is indeed the happiest day of this blessed empire! It is the 100th anniversary of the naming of our empire~”

A brief history followed. Jungkook rolled his eyes. Every. Fucking. Year.

Several performances came and went, none of them holding Jungkook’s attention. He stared at the ceiling, thinking only of leaving this suffocating party and finally getting some sleep.

Then the announcer’s voice drew him back:

“For this special day, for months we have searched all over Seoulvenia to find the best of the best talents. And we found exceptional performers~”

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed. Is he talking about the slaves Yoongi hyung mentioned? Even though he had tried to dismiss it, Yoongi’s words had piqued his curiosity without him realizing.

“Madams and my lords… I present to you: the dancers from Ruvana~”

Whispers rippled through the ballroom.

“Ruvana?”

“Slaves, right?”

But before anyone could speak further, drumrolls thundered across the hall, and the first performer emerged. Hoseok, tall and magnetic, moved across the stage with fierce, captivating energy. Every leap, every turn, and every stomp demanded attention. The rhythm of his body perfectly matched the drums, creating a performance that seemed to pull the very air into motion.

Backstage, Jimin and Jihyo watched nervously.

“He’s killing it,” Jimin whispered, biting his lip. “I hope I can even get close to this level…”

Jihyo nudged him gently. “You’ll be fine, Jimin. Just focus on your part. Hoseok’s warming everyone up.”

Jimin nodded but couldn’t shake the nervous energy swirling in his stomach. He shifted on his feet, peeking occasionally at the stage, heart thumping—not just for Hoseok, but for the pressure he would feel when it was his turn.

Hoseok finished with a flourish, the ballroom erupting into applause and cheers. Even Jungkook, who had been leaning back in his throne, now leaned slightly forward, eyes fixed on the stage. Interesting…

The announcer quickly brought out the next performer: Jihyo. She danced with fluid grace, every movement sharp, elegant, and captivating. Her expression carried fire and control, turning her solo into a story of beauty and strength. The nobles, who often dismissed performers from Ruvana, watched in stunned silence.

Backstage, Jimin clutched his costume, heart racing. “They’re incredible…” he murmured.

Jihyo smiled at him reassuringly. “And you’re next. Just breathe and do your best.”

The applause for Jihyo’s performance shook the ballroom, and Jungkook’s frown softened as he sat up straighter. Maybe this program isn’t total bullshit…

He didn’t know it yet, but his attention had fully shifted. He watched as the dancers bowed, taking in their dedication, charisma, and energy.

And then… the next thing Jungkook saw made him feel something he had never felt before in his life…

And then… the next thing Jungkook saw made him feel something he had never felt before in his life…

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